Photos by Michael Robinson

Press Release from Uvalde CISD Moving Forward Foundation

UVALDE, TX (April 8, 2025) With the construction of the new Legacy Elementary School in Uvalde CISD moving closer and closer to completion, the Uvalde CISD Moving Forward Foundation announces that the costs of the physical building and its construction are fully funded.
This announcement is a result of a combined investment of $21 million from Chase,
Empowerment Reinvestment Fund, National Community Investment Fund, and Nonprofit
Finance Fund. The investments were made through New Markets Tax Credits (NMTCs), a
federal program designed to encourage private investment in underserved areas.

“At Chase, supporting impactful projects such as Legacy Elementary School through New
Markets Tax Credit equity is at the heart of our mission and we are grateful for the opportunity to
collaborate with the Uvalde CISD Moving Forward Foundation,” said Melissa Pillars, Executive
Director of the New Markets Tax Credit team. “Making the New Markets Tax Credit permanent
is crucial for sustaining support for transformative projects like this, ensuring that communities
continue to thrive and grow. We eagerly anticipate the day when the building becomes a
nurturing space that fosters learning and community spirit for its students.”

The net benefit from the investment is $3.6 million toward the building of the elementary school.
All of the funds invested through NMTCs are being utilized for the physical construction of the
new school and a portion of the furniture, fixtures, and equipment.
“We are proud to be part of this community-driven effort to support Uvalde families with a new
school,” said Onika Lewis, Vice President of New Markets Tax Credits at Nonprofit Finance
Fund. “It is a powerful example of diverse capital sources coming together to quickly and
thoughtfully construct this critical landmark.”

Other investors agree with the significance of the project and the investment:
“Empowerment Reinvestment Fund is proud to be a partner and investor in this incredible
project which will provide the children in Uvalde with a safe place to learn and grow,” said
Monica Edwards, SVP – National Director of NMTC for Empowerment Reinvestment Fund.

“This project goes beyond providing funding for a new building; it’s about making a tremendous
impact in the lives of the children and families in the Uvalde Community.”

“This project reflects the power of community-driven investment in places that need it most.
We’re proud to support Uvalde CISD and the Moving Forward Foundation in bringing this
school to life—one designed not only for learning, but for healing, equity, and long-term
opportunity,” said Kyle Harvey, Senior Vice President of Lending and New Markets Tax Credit at
the National Community Investment Fund.

An initial round of investment through NMTCs to the Legacy Elementary School project was
made in December. That round totaled a combined investment of $24.5 million made by Chase,
Prestamos CDFI, a division of Chicanos Por La Causa (CPLC), and Raza Development Fund.
“The collaboration and capital investment in this new school has been more than just rebuilding.
It’s about resilience and community-grounded private-public partnerships to ensure that every
child has a safe place to learn and grow. At Prestamos CDFI, a mission-driven lender, we believe
that access to high-quality education is fundamental to every community” said Teresa Miranda,
Senior Vice President, Prestamos CDFI, a division of CPLC. “Our staff at the nearby early
childhood education center were impacted by the tragedy. This investment represents our continued
commitment to helping our Uvalde community continue to move forward with strength, provide
students, educators, and families with the resources they need to heal and succeed.”

This round netted $4.2 million to the construction of Legacy Elementary School.
“It is an honor to support the Uvalde community in bringing this vital project to life,” said Annie
Donovan, President & CEO of RDF. “This effort goes far beyond constructing a new
school—it’s about investing in healing, resilience, and the long-term prosperity of Uvalde and
communities like it. We are proud to walk alongside the people of Uvalde, helping to create a
space where a new generation of children can feel safe, learn, grow, and thrive.”

02-18-25
 Press Release from State of Texas Representative Don McLaughlin

McLaughlin is taking swift action to protect our families from dangerous offenders. House Bill 2956 creates the Family Violence Registration Program, a groundbreaking database that would stop offenders in their tracks and provide law enforcement and communities with real-time access to potentially life-saving information.

Creating a state-run database, this bill would establish a system to track individuals convicted of or granted deferred adjudication community supervision for family violence offenses. These offenders will be forced to register annually, more often if deemed a greater threat. Failure to register will result in criminal penalties, including a Class C misdemeanor.

“If you lay your hand on an innocent man, woman, or child, you will pay the price, and the state will ensure your sickening actions don’t lurk in our communities,” said Rep. McLaughlin. “This bill equips law enforcement, institutions, and communities with tools to track and stop offenders before they strike again.

There’s no excuse for domestic violence, and no abuser should get a free pass.”
Modeled after the Sex Offender Registration Program, the Family Violence Registration Program is a vital step in combatting domestic violence, providing communities with the resources necessary to protect themselves.

“This is a bipartisan issue,” continued Rep. McLaughlin. “Protecting Texans should not be debated. I urge my colleagues to come together and support this life-saving legislation. Opposition to this bill is a slap in the face to the families we represent, especially to women, who are at the greatest risk of domestic violence. I stand resolute in the fight to protect our communities, and I vow to always do what is right.”

Press Release by SWTJC

  Uvalde, TX, January 23, 2024 – In a moving union of art and justice, Southwest Texas Junior College’s (SWTJC) Art Professor Abel Ortiz recently hosted a thought-provoking tour of the memorial mural project dedicated to the 21 victims of the Robb Elementary School tragedy for U.S. Attorney General Merrick Garland and Associate Attorney General Vanita Gupta on January 17. PHOTOS

Professor Ortiz, the creative force behind this heartfelt initiative, led profound discussions with the DOJ officials amid the evocative murals that grace the walls of buildings throughout the Uvalde downtown area.

“It was an honor and a pleasure to tour the murals with U.S. Attorney General Merrick Garland and Assistant Attorney General Vanita Gupta. They were truly touched by the portraits and asked substantive questions,” said Ortiz.

During the tour, Associate Attorney General Gupta and Attorney General Garland gained profound insights into the memorial project’s impact under Ortiz’s expert guidance.

This unique convergence of art and the pursuit of justice in the memorial mural project serves as a testament to the resilience of communities in the face of tragedy. SWTJC takes great pride in fostering opportunities that celebrate artistic talent and act as powerful tools for healing and remembrance. The college remains committed to providing opportunities for meaningful conversations and collaborations that bolster the strength of its communities.

“My hope is that the murals will provide a sense of peace and comfort for the families and a reminder that these tragedies should not happen in a civilized society,” Ortiz stated.

Department of Justice officials were in Uvalde to present a Critical Incident Review on the tragedy of May 24, 2022. Their itinerary included crucial meetings with affected families and engagements with the press, shedding light on the report’s findings.

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About Southwest Texas Junior College 

Founded 76 years ago, Southwest Texas Junior College (SWTJC) is a regional, “open door” institution serving an 11-county area that stretches from the Texas Hill Country to the US-Mexican border. For more information, please visit www.swtjc.edu.

Press release received from the office of Senator Roland Gutierrez

  Austin, Texas – This afternoon, State Senator Roland Gutierrez voted against HB 3, the school security bill, because it is inadequate at addressing school safety concerns in the wake of the tragic shootings in Santa Fe and Uvalde.

  “School districts and their employees have already been asked to do more with less – more students with less counselors and support staff, larger class sizes with fewer teachers, and building more schools with less state money. Now we are going to add an unfunded mandate to have a security officer at every single public school. It is sick and twisted that we have the largest budget surplus in Texas history and we aren’t doing a damn thing to keep our kids safe. We aren’t doing anything to prevent another Uvalde,” Gutierrez stated.

  “I filed a bill that would have put a peace officer at every single public school in Texas, that would have been paid in full by the State of Texas. That bill never saw the light of day. Republican leadership doesn’t care about protecting our kids.”

Senator Gutierrez was joined by Senators Menendez, Eckhart, Miles, and Johnson in voting against the bill. Senator Gutierrez has long advocated for teacher pay raises, cost-of-living adjustments for retirees, and full funding of Texas public schools.

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Roland Gutierrez has served as the Texas State Senator for District 19 since 2021, previously serving six terms as a member of the Texas House of Representatives and two terms as a San Antonio City Councilman.

 On Friday, May 12th at 5:38 PM the public relations firm, the Eisenberg Group released a statement signed by City and County elected officials as well as Uvalde CISD Superintendent Gary Patterson asking for privacy ten days before the May 24th one year anniversary of the Robb School Tragedy. 

 The statement reads, “As the one-year mark following the Robb Elementary School shooting approaches, our
entire community of Uvalde, especially the families of the victims and survivors, continue to grieve, process the trauma, and search for paths forward. We ask for peace and privacy during what will be a very difficult time for many, especially our children.
  The Uvalde community continues to face the impact of that tragic day. Despite the overwhelming support and efforts to assist with the healing process, the past eleven months have been challenging. The licensed professionals at the Uvalde Together Resiliency Center and other local agencies will continue to provide free emotional support and counseling for anyone seeking it. We welcome and appreciate your thoughts and
prayers and ask that if you feel compelled to support the residents of Uvalde, please host something in your hometown in our honor.
  As a community, we respectfully request to be given the time, space, and privacy to remember those we lost, along with those who survived the mass shooting on May 24th. It is essential to the healing process for our community, and most importantly for our children to be given this time to grieve together privately. “

 Please pdf. statement below.

 The statement was sent on a blank page rather than on any official letterhead.  

  The message does not specify to whom the statement is directed, although a portion of the message seems to address those living outside of the Uvalde area who may be planning on visiting the town on May 24th, 2023.

Press release

  Austin, Texas – This morning, State Senator Roland Gutierrez released a statement in response to HB 2744 being killed before reaching calendars. HB 2744 was authored by Rep. Tracy King and would have raised the age limit to purchase semiautomatic rifles to 21. The bill was voted out of the House Select Committee on Community Safety on Monday, but did not make it onto the House calendar by the 10:00 P.M. deadline on Tuesday, May 9th.

  “How dare Greg Abbott, Dan Patrick, Dade Phelan, Dustin Burrows and Ryan Guillen make these families live through this torture day after day. They lack any sort of fortitude to stand up and do something to keep our kids from being killed. Santa Fe, Uvalde, El Paso, and now Allen parents have showed up and pleaded with lawmakers who will cry with them one moment and stab them in the back the next,” Gutierrez stated.

  “We knew the children that died in the Uvalde massacre were braver than the DPS, but now we know that they were braver than these Republican lawmakers in the Texas legislature. They faced the end of the gun because these five men are too gutless to stand up to the gun lobby.”

  During this legislative session, Senator Gutierrez has authored commonsense gun safety legislation, which large majorities of Texans agree with, including gun safety, reckless gun sales, and restrictions on the purchasing age of semiautomatic rifles. All of which have been censored by Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick.

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  Roland Gutierrez has served as the Texas State Senator for District 19 since 2021, previously serving six terms as a member of the Texas House of Representatives and two terms as a San Antonio City Councilman.

 After a morning of action by Uvalde families, State Senator Roland Guiterrez, House, and Senate Democratic caucus, HB 2744 voted out of committee 8-5

Austin, Texas – Today, the Texas House Select Committee on Community Safety voted 8 – 5 to pass H.B. 2744, which would raise the age to purchase a semi-automatic rifle to 21, with exceptions for military and law enforcement. The vote comes on the heels of this morning’s press conference with Uvalde families and state Democrats demanding action on gun safety legislation.

“We can’t keep waiting for another tragedy for legislation on gun safety. Nothing can bring back the lives we’ve lost, but this will help to save lives in the future. We need to see this bill passed,” said Senator Gutierrez. “Semiautomatic rifles, weapons of war, are being used to hurt our children, families running errands, concertgoers, and grocery shoppers. If Texas Republicans aren’t going to vote to help protect our families, then they better step out of our way.”

HB 2744 will move on to the House Calendars Committee to be considered for a House floor vote. The Texas Legislature has three weeks to consider this vital piece of legislation before the session concludes on May 29th.

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Roland Gutierrez has served as the Texas State Senator for District 19 since 2021, previously serving six terms as a member of the Texas House of Representatives and two terms as a San Antonio City Councilman.

Uvalde, Texas April 27, 2023 – Main Street Uvalde has been designated as an Accredited Main Street America program for meeting rigorous performance standards. Each year, Main Street America and its partners announce the list of Accredited programs to recognize their exceptional commitment to preservation-based economic development and community revitalization through the Main Street Approach.

  “We are very proud to acknowledge this year’s 862 Accredited Main Street America programs, and their steadfast dedication to nurture economically and culturally vibrant downtown districts,” said Hannah White, Interim President & CEO of Main Street America. “The increase in the size and impact of our network speaks volumes to the power of the Main Street movement to respond to the needs of local communities and drive innovative solutions.”

  In 2022, Main Street America programs generated $6.2 billion in local reinvestment, helped open 7,657 net new businesses, facilitated the creation of 29,174 net new jobs, catalyzed the rehabilitation of 10,688 historic buildings, and leveraged 1,528,535 volunteer hours. On average, for every dollar that a Main Street program spent to support their operations, it generated $24.07 of new investment back into their downtown communities.

  Collectively, 2 million people live or work within the boundaries of designated Main Street America districts. An estimated workforce of 1.1 million people contribute their skills and expertise to advancing the missions of these historic downtowns and commercial corridors. 

  Main Street Uvalde’s performance is annually evaluated by the City of Uvalde, which works in partnership with Main Street America to identify the local programs that meet rigorous national performance standards. To quality for Accreditation status, communities must meet a set of rigorous standards that include commitments to building grassroots revitalization programs, fostering strong public-private partnerships, nurturing economic opportunity for small businesses and entrepreneurs, and actively preserving historic places, spaces, and cultural assets.

“Having the Accreditation from Main Street America proves that we are committed to making our Main Street district successful. We continue to research, plan and finds ways that will help improve not only business in the area but the overall outlook.” Stated Gloria Resma, Main Street Uvalde manager. “ Will things happen overnight? No. Though, if we continue to work together and make plans and take one step at a time we can achieve what we are looking for.”

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  ABOUT MAIN STREET UVALDE

  Main Street Uvalde is a nonprofit organization that works with the community, governing entities, business and property owners to advocate, initiate, and incentivize economic investment for the revitalization, preservation, and promotion of our historic downtown as an attractive, bustling destination for residents, tourists and travelers to gather, shop, work, and enjoy.

  Main Street Uvalde envisions a revitalized and active historic downtown destination that strives to be a family friendly, attractive, safe and desirable center for business, leisure and entertainment incorporating and celebrating the unique history, architecture and cultural diversity of the community. 

  ABOUT MAIN STREET AMERICA

  Main Street America leads a movement committed to strengthening communities through preservation-based economic development in older and historic downtowns and neighborhood commercial districts. For more than 40 years, Main Street America has provided a practical, adaptable, and impactful framework for community-driven, comprehensive revitalization through the Main Street Approach. Our network of more than 1,600 neighborhoods and communities, rural and urban, share both a commitment to place and to building stronger communities through preservation-based economic development. Since 1980, communities participating in the program have generated more than $101.58 billion in new public and private investment, generated 168,693 net new businesses and 746,897 net new jobs, rehabilitated more than 325,119 buildings, and levered over 33.7 million volunteer hours. Main Street America is a nonprofit subsidiary of the National Trust for Historic Preservation.      For more information, visit mainstreet.org.